Many a pilot ponders penning their life in the cockpit. Few meet that goal. Dr. Richard A. Komm learned to fly in Piper Cubs in 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, the flying octogenarian owns and pilots a B-35 Bonanza.
The journey between humble beginning and today is the subject of his new book, “Cubs to Bonanzas.” Being a licensed psychologist, Dr. Komm delivers an insight to grass roots flying from a unique perspective.
A post maintenance flight in a Cessna 210 results in a gear up landing. This YouTube video shows a remarkable landing using only the tail and an extended nose gear.
I don’t think it could have gone better.
Dear Santa,
I hope this letter reaches you in time. It has been a bit hectic lately, so I’m a little late. Wait, why am I telling you this? You already know. This year, I only want three things:
Prompt certification for lead-free avgas: [Read more...]
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – Dennis and Barb Crowley’s Just Aircraft Escapade won “Grand Champion” and “Custom Built Best Tube and Fabric” at this year’s Copperstate Fly-In at Casa Grande Airport.
The board of directors of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) are fighting to save the races and ensure a 51st race happens in September 2014. The following letter from RARA President and CEO Mike Houghton admits more details will follow, but a chief task is to “raise $500,000 in commitments, funds and debt reduction by Sunday, Dec. 15 of this year.” Read Mike’s letter below:
“On the heels of a spectacular and historic 50th National Championship Air Races, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is looking forward to the next 50 years. This year’s event marked a recovery from the many emotional, financial and operational challenges of the last three years. The crowds were back, the weather was good and the racing was thrilling and safe.
“However, as we work to build for the future, we are faced with a set of significant challenges posed in the wake of a third year of financial losses. As a not-for-profit organization, RARA is committed to preserving and growing air racing and we are dedicated to creating long-term financial sustainability. As such, we have carefully evaluated our current financial position and we have been forced to make some agonizing and difficult decisions. Effective immediately, we have implemented furloughs and wage and benefit reductions on all RARA staff. Additionally, we have made the heartbreaking decision to eliminate certain positions.
“I have always believed that the fans, volunteers, pilots, staff and sponsors of the Reno Air Races are a family and these decisions were not made lightly. I have been humbled by the dedication and response of our staff as they diligently work to continue this world-class event. In fact, our third-party marketing partners – both of which we have had long-standing relationships with – have committed to continuing to work with us, without a formal contract, ensuring no notable changes to our marketing and communication efforts.
“As difficult as these steps are, they are intended with the sole purpose of keeping air racing alive and preserving this historic aviation event for our community and the world. In short, in order to address the operational costs of 2014 and beyond, including an oppressive insurance premium, we need to raise $500,000 in commitments, funds and debt reduction by Sunday, Dec. 15 of this year. While this might seem a daunting task, we have already made substantial strides in accomplishing this goal. Concurrently, through voting to immediately restructure the RARA board of directors and bylaws, our current board of directors is taking the steps to ensure an evolution of our fundraising and sponsorship model that allows us to grow this historic event far beyond 2014 and become more agile in the decision process.
“Unquestionably, we need your immediate help and support. We are rapidly developing an exciting, new fundraising campaign that aims to quickly engage air race fans and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world and we’ll be releasing details before Thanksgiving on our website and Facebook page. Existing reserved and box seat holders are currently ordering their 2014 tickets and General Admission, unreserved Boxes and Seats will be available to the public on March 1, 2014.
“We recently celebrated 50 great years of air racing and are optimistic, that we will celebrate many more. This can only happen with the continued and increased support of our worldwide family.”
The FAA is targeting pilots (and controllers) with a “proposed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) policy.” Pilots and controllers with a Body Mass Index (calculate yours here) with 40 and higher, will be the initial target.
Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton wrote in recent medical bulletin those pilots “will have to be evaluated by a physician who is a board certified sleep specialist.” Those diagnosed with OSA must be treated before they acquire a medical certificate, Tilton wrote.
American Airports Corporation has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a 10-year Hangar Lease Agreement at El Monte Airport in El Monte, Calif. Proposals will be received until 3 p.m. PDT, Dec. 10, 2013, at American Airports Corporation, 2425 Olympic Blvd., Suite 650 East, Santa Monica, Calif.
“China gets ready for takeoff,” [subscription required] is the cover story of the Nov. 18, 2013, of Fortune magazine. The article centers on Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China‘s efforts to bring the C919 to market. For perspective, the C919 is remarkably similar to the Airbus A320. So we’re not talking GA here.
MANITOWOC, Wisc. – Manitowoc area natives Leon Sigman and Jim Wheeler were recently honored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 50 years of flying safety and contributions made to general aviation. Plaques were presented by Wesley Hakari from the Milwaukee FAA Flight Standards District Office during an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Safety Seminar, held at Lakeshore Aviation in Manitowoc.
Ben Sclair is the Publisher of General Aviation News, a pilot, husband to Deb and dad to Savannah, Brenna and Jack. Oh, and a staunch supporter of general aviation.
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